The Sherlock actor was among the big names linked to Episode VII - which is being made by his Star Trek Into Darkness director JJ Abrams - but he has now insisted that he does not have a role in the film, although he hinted that he did want one.

Speaking at the Oz Comic Con in Australia, he said: "I would've liked a part in JJ's [Abrams] new Star Wars but it won't happen sadly."

Website The Iris, which was live tweeting from the event, also revealed that Benedict delivered another blow for fans by saying he would never be in TV series Doctor Who.

"I'm never gonna play The Doctor and nothing to do with the Whoniverse," he was quoted as saying.

Shooting on Star Wars: Episode VII is under way but plot and cast details are still firmly under wraps.